Obituary of Marie Virginie Dow

Virginia Dow, a longtime resident of Peace River, Alberta recently of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 in Dawson Creek, at the age of 101 years. On November 11, 1911, Virginia Marie was born to parents Damais and Adeline Parenteau at land description 09-45-08-3, now known as Moon Hill, Saskatchewan. She was the last living sibling of 11 children. As a girl, Virginia's favorite thing when not busy looking after her younger siblings, or milking the cows, or horseback riding was dad's horses. "Dad had 125 horses, I would go into the field and jump on one and ride bareback with my hair blowing back and the wind in my face" she claimed. The last time she got on a horse(that we are aware of) was at the age of 83. Virginia met Barney Ozelius Dow in Rosthern, Saskatchewan and they were married in 1934. They were also known as Chiket and Ginger. Jules, mom's brother and Annie, dad's sister who also married later, accompanied them to all the community dances. She used to tell us about her and dad winning prizes when dancing the old time waltzes. The greatest loves of her life after her husband and children, were dancing and horses. Virginia was also skilled on the accordion, piano, guitar and juice harp which she occasionally played at dances. Virginia and Barney had three children, Georgina, Maxine and Conrad. Georgina Ockert passed away in 2009. Maxine gave Virginia 3 granddaughters; Tracy, Kandace and Mellisscia. Conrad with 3 grandsons; Vincent, Nathan, and Lyndon, and 4 granddaughters; Vanessa, Kalaya, Tatelena and Heather. Mae Mae's loyalty was fierce when it came to her children and grandchildren. Virginia became better known as Mae Mae after the grandchildren arrived. Her children and friends often chose to call her Mae Mae as well. Mae Mae had a special place in her heart for her grandkids. once while her great grandchild Korvyn was visiting, he kept putting his hand over his mother's mouth to stop her from talking to anyone else. Mae Mae just began to laugh, her son Conrad used to the the same thing. He would demand her full attention. Everyone felt safe and comfortable in Mae Mae's presence. Her house always smelled of home cooking, especially pancakes and rising bread. She was never unkempt and always presented herself like a lady. She appreciated nicer things in life that weren't an option as a young girl, like a nice bottle of perfume. Mae Mae was somewhat of a healer, she claimed she could draw fevers out of babies and many will say this is true. She spoke of a time when her whole fmaily came down with an illness and she ad to care for them all, she was seven at the time. She was a way of making you feel better with hours of undivided attention, conversation, very sweet white tea and toast. None of us can forget the mustard plaster. None of the family can remember her ever being really sick. When asked what she attributed to her longevity she would always say, carrot juice, walking and living clean. Mae Mae was always for the underdog, the unfortunate, she prayed for the children. It was important to her for the children to be ok. Long before living healthy was the norm, Mae Mae insisted on brown bread. Carrots and apples were your snack not candies, and pop was never on the grocery list. If a sweet was allowed is was more often of the homemade variety. Although, she did love her scotch mints. Mae Mae loved curling and in her later years was very good at it. She also continued to dance until her legs wouldn't allow it anymore. "Music makes you happy, it brings you back to life." she believed. One thing to remember Mae Mae said, "Everything fades away and passes than it's forgotten, it's like it never happened. That's probably a good thing so we won't be sad all the time." Virginia said never stay mad, you don't want people to remember you that way. She also told us, "You've got tokeep your life simple. Put God ahead of yourself and you won't make the wrong choice. I trusted Him you know." Virginia was predeceased by her loving husband; Barney and daughter; Georgina Ockert. Virginia is survived by her children; Maxine ,Conrad, grandchildren; Tracy, Kandace, Mellisscia, Vincent, Vanessa, Kalaya, Tatelena, Nathan, Lyndon, Heather, numerous great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 1:00 PM from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pauline Haycock officated. Interment will be at a later date. Very Respectfull Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium